Dental retainer

ABSTRACT

An improved retainer for use as a clamp to secure a band of the matrix variety in position around the periphery of a tooth, the structure of which is being restored. The improvement of the above retainer particularly lies in its structure which insures a sure cinch having the optimum in strength and the improved tension which it supplies to the matrix. The above insures an effective foundation for the adequate and efficient restoration of the tooth under study.

United States Patent [1 1 Franklin et al.

[ Mar. 12, 1974 DENTAL RETAINER [75] Inventors: Mark Franklin, Freehold; James R. Schmidt, Englishtown, both of NJ.

[73] Assignee: Demo-Dynamic Systems, Inc.,

Freehold, NJ.

[22] Filed: Jan. 11, 1973 211 App]. No.: 322,787

[52] US. Cl. 32/63 [51] Int. Cl. A61c 5/12 [58] Field of Search 32/63, 40 R, 15

[5 6] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS Wiggins 32/63 3,383,769 5/l968 Davis 32/63 Primary ExaminerRobert Peshock Attorney, Agent, or FirmEdward F. Costigan [57] ABSTRACT An improved retainer for use as a clamp to secure a band of the matrix variety in position around the periphery of a tooth, the structure of which is being restored.

The improvement of the above retainer particularly lies in its structure which insures a sure cinch having the optimum in strength and the improved tension which it supplies to the matrix.

The above insures an effective foundation for the adequate and efficient restoration of the tooth under study.

12 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures PATENTEDHAR 1 21974 sum 1 or 2 Fla. 2

PATENTEB MAR I 2 I974 sum 2 or 2 Fig.4

DENTAL RETAINER This invention relates to an improved retainer for use in the dental art.

More particularly, this invention relates to an improved retainer which may only be released from the matrix band by the application of pressure above that of the ordinary band of the art.

In a co-pending application, a matrix band is described for which this improved retainer may be satisfactorily utilized to secure the described band around the periphery of a tooth. In the latter application, a retainer is utilized which is manually operated for the function of loading and unloading the matrix into a receptive slot formed in the retainer. For some practitioners, the retainer in the aforedescribed application is highly desirable and most effective in use for its described function when compared to the retainers of the art. However, there are a number of practitioners who have more confidence in a retainer which requires a great deal more pressure in the loading and unloading stage of the process of securing the matrix in position around the tooth.

The subject invention answers the needs of the latter described practitioner with special emphasis on a retainer of improved structure wherein a good deal of pressure must be used to force the retainer open for receipt of the matrix and subsequently open again for the function of unloading the matrix after the tooth circumscribed by the matrix has been restored. This invention also introduces means for use in providing the pressure required for the aforesaid functions.

It is an object of this invention to provide means for use in the-production of a sure, strong and effective cinch for a matrix which circumscribes the periphery of a tooth under restoration.

Another object of this invention is a device in the form of a retainer for use in securing said matrix in position and for subsequently releasing said matrix, when desired, wherein in both of the aforesaid functions the pressure required relatively exceeds that of many of the retainers of the art because of the retainers unique structure.

A further object is the aforesaid means of improved structure for use in the provision of a sure cinch on the end portions of the matrix providing adequate tension therefor and an adequate disconnect which is comfortable to the patient and not damaging to the restoration site but which requires a relatively greater pressure to release when compared to many of the retainers of the art.

Other objects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from a study of the following detailed description when taken with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an assembly view of the improved retainer of this invention illustrating the engagement of the matrix after the same has formed a circumscribed area which initially would accomodate the periphery of a tooth (not shown).

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the above retainer in the open or loading position.

FIG. 3 illustrates the pressure means utilized to open the retainer of FIG. 1 for the loading of the matrix band.

FIG. 4 is a veiw showing the pressure means alone in the closed position.

FIG. 5 is a partial view of the pressure means of FIG. 4 showing a pin for separable engagement of the opening in the sides of the device of FIGS. 1 to 3.

FIG. 6 is a view of the pressure means of FIGS. 3 to 5 illustrating an added function of said means.

Similar numerals relate to similar parts throughout the several views.

Referring to FIG. 1, it may be seen that the device 10 is provided with a base 11 having integral therewith an upstanding vertical strut 12 containing a vertical slot 13 relative to the base 11. The upstanding vertical strut 12 is integrally provided with sides 14 and 15, the end portions 16 and 17 of such sides being folded back in an inwardly fashion towards each other to form a V-shape having a moutli 20 and an a pe x 21, the latter has separable engageable sides or arms 16 and 17. The irir terminal portions of the latter sides each being provided with a barbed section 22 for engagement of the ribs 23 of the matrix 24 when the retainer is in the closed position as shown in FIG. 1. Note should be taken that the common outer sides of the end portions of the longitudinal matrix 24 are provided with projecting ribs 23, and are passed through the barbed portions 22 of the sides or'arms l6 and 17 which form the channel through the apex when pressure is applied 'to the device as will be hereinafter described.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the device is provided with two upstanding posts 26, each of which functions as a fulcrum for the opening and closing of the sides 16 and 17 forming the apex. The latter function is accomplished by the application of pressure to the outer sides 14 and 15 of the device. The pressure is then transmitted to the inner sides 16 and 17, and the latter sides each pivot on the stationary post adjacent thereto and the apex is opened providing a channel therethrough. In order to facilitate this action in the preferred fashion, the outer sides of the device are each provided with an opening 27 and 28, both of which are in axial alignment with each other. The openings 27 and 28 are adapted for the receipt of the engagement means for the pressure providing device which will be hereinafter described in detail.

In reference now to FIG. 3, the pressure providing means 32 as shown uniquely fits the exterior of the'device adjacent the strut 12 and the sides 14 and 15.

A top plan view of the pressure providing means may be viewed in FIG. 4. In the latter illustration, the pins 34 and 35 are shown which are adapted for separable engagement of the openings 27 and 28 of the outer sides of the retainer 10. The view in FIG. 4 also shows the abutment 37 of arms 38 and 39 in spaced relation to pins 34 and 35 when the arms are in the closed position. As shown the above arms have a common pivot site. Extensions may be provided on each of these arms for the application of pressure, the length of each extension determining the strength of closure of the pressure applying means heretofore described.

In the view of FIG. 5, the abutting surface 37 on the I interior of the arms 38 and 39, as shown, is a knurled area which further functions as a device to pull the end portions 23 of the matrix through the slot 13 and the channel between the barbed separable arms 16 and 17 of the substantially formed apex.

As will be realized from the view shown in FIG. 6, the pressure means is not in the position wherein the pins 34 and 35 engage openings 27 and 28 on sides 14 and 15. But, as shown, the abutting surface or knurled area of the arms 38 and 39 are exteriorally engaged to the end portion 23 of the matrix to perform the aforedescribed function.

In operation, the band is positioned relative to the tooth in such a manner that it circumscribes the periphery of the tooth encompassing the site to be restored.

The end portions of the band 25 have a common surface in adjacent relationship to each other. The exterior of the matrix on each of the outer sides of the end portion thereof are provided with projections 24 which are engaged by the device during the restoration procedure.

Initially, the pressure applying means, as shown in FIG. 4 engages the retainer as heretofore described and inward pressure is applied to the sides 14 and 15 to generally open the retainer for receipt of the end portions of the matrix.

When th eapex substariially formed by sides 16 and 17 is open, a channel is formed between the latter barbed areas of the sides 16 and 17 and the end portion of the matrix is then placed or drawn into position through the channel and the slot 13. The position of the elements of the retainer may be clearly seen in FIG. 2 but the pressure applying means is not shown in this view. When the pressure applying means is removed from the unit, the retainer will take on the shape exhibited in FIG. 1 and the end portions of the matrix will be securely engaged by sides 16 and 17.

When the pressure means is disengaged from the retainer, it may be further utilized to provide a relatively tighter cinch by the use of the knurled surfaces on each arm of the pressure means. As seen, the engaged portions of the matrix will be actually drawn longitudinally through the slot 13 and the barbed sides of the substantially formed apex until a snug fit and the desired tension is achieved on the band which fits around the circumferential surface of the tooth.

What is claimed is:

B dual outer sides of the flexible variety each of which is integrally provided on each side of said support in spaced vertical relation to said base B1 the end portions of each of said outer sides being folded back upon itself to substantially form a V-shape having an open mouth, an apex E2 the sides of said apex being separably engageable for the receipt of the end portions of said matrix, C dual posts integral said base in upstanding spaced relation, each post abutting the inner end portion of said sides adjacent the mouth of said V.shape, whereby, an inward force on the outer surface of said dual outer sides will force said inner end portions of said sides to pivot on said post forcing said sides of said apex to open for the snug receipt of said end portions of said matrix thereby initially securing the matrix in position upon relief of said force and whereby upon the subsequent reapplication of said force opening said apex for final disengagement of said matrix at the substantial conclusion of the restoratory procedure. W 2. The device of claim 1 where the solid base is provided with four sides.

3. The device of claim 2 wherein the dual outer sides are substantially in a mutual perpendicular plane relative said base.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein said base is formed in a substantially rectangular shape having a solid attachment at one end of the dual outer sides.

5. The device of claim 2 wherein said dual outer sides are of an outwardly bow shape having inwardly folded substantially linear end portions the latter substantially forming said V-shape.

6. The device of claim 4 wherein said dual outer sides integral said upstanding support are of the outwardly bow shape having inwardly folded substantially linear end portions which substantially form said V-shape.

7. The device of claim 1 wherein the inner portion of the separably engaged sides of the said apex are barbed to securely engage said ribs of said matrix.

8. The device of claim 2 wherein the dual outer sides are each provided with an opening which is an axial alignment with an opening on the opposing side of said device.

9. The device of claim 6 wherein the bowed sides are each provided with an opening in axial alignment with each other.

10. A device for use in applying pressure to the re-. tainer of claim 9 having dual arms forming a separably engageable jaw,

said arms being pivotally mounted relative to each other at a commonpoint,

each of said arms of the jaw being provided with a pin for separable engagement to the holes in the sides of said retainer.

11. The device of claim 10 wherein there is provided a separably engageable abutment between the arms of the pressure applying means when such means are in the closed position.

12. A device of claim 11 for use in drawing a matrix through said slot and said channel of the separably engageable arms of the apex of the retainer wherein:

the device is provided with pivotable arms for separable engagement of a knurled surface on each of said arms, said knurl area engaging said matrix therebetween when said arms are in the closed position. :k 

1. An improved retainer for use in securing a longitudinal matrix in position around the periphery of a tooth for the subsequent procedure of restoring said tooth, the end portions of said matrix having a common longitudinal side provided with ribs vertically projecting therefrom, said retainer adapted for the separable engagement of said projecting ribs. the improvement consisting essentially of: A said retainer provided with a base having on one side thereof a relatively strong upstanding support having a vertical slot, B dual outer sides of the flexible variety each of which is integrally provided on each side of said support in spaced vertical relation to said base B1 the end portion of each of said outer sides being folded back upon itself to substantially form a V-shape having an open mouth, an apex B2 the sides of said apex being separably engageable for the receipt of the end portion of said matrix, C dual post integral said base in upstanding spaced relation, each post abutting the inner end portion of said sides adjacent the mouth of said V-shape, whereby, an inward force on the outer surface of said dual outer sides will force said inner end portions of said sides to pivot on said post forcing said sides of said apex to open for the snug receipt of said end portion of said matrix thereby initially securing the matrix in position and subsequently opening for the final disengagement of said matrix at the substantial conclusion of the restoratory procedure.
 2. The device of claim 1 where the solid base is provided with four sides.
 3. The device of claim 2 wherein the dual outer sides are substantially in a mutual perpendicular plane relative said base.
 4. The device of claim 1 wherein said base is formed in a substantially rectangular shape having a solid attachment at one end of the dual outer sides.
 5. The device of claim 2 wherein said dual outer sides are of an outwardly bow shape having inwardly folded substantially linear end portions the latter substantially forming said V-shape.
 6. The device of claim 4 wherein said dual outer sides integral said upstanding support are of the outwardly bow shape having inwardly folded substantially linear end portions which substantially form said V-shape.
 7. The device of claim 1 wherein the inner portion of the separably engaged sides of the said apex are barbed to securely engage said ribs of said matrix.
 8. The device oF claim 2 wherein the dual outer sides are each provided with an opening which is an axial alignment with an opening on the opposing side of said device.
 9. The device of claim 6 wherein the bowed sides are each provided with an opening in axial alignment with each other.
 10. A device for use in applying pressure to the retainer of claim 9 having dual arms forming a separably engageable jaw, said arms being pivotally mounted relative to each other at a common point, each of said arms of the jaw being provided with a pin for separable engagement to the holes in the sides of said retainer.
 11. The device of claim 10 wherein there is provided a separably engageable abutment between the arms of the pressure applying means when such means are in the closed position.
 12. A device of claim 11 for use in drawing a matrix through said slot and said channel of the separably engageable arms of the apex of the retainer wherein: the device is provided with pivotable arms for separable engagement of a knurled surface on each of said arms, said knurl area engaging said matrix therebetween when said arms are in the closed position. 